Full-Day Ingapirca, Gualaceo & Chordeleg from Cuenca
- 9 hours
- Free cancellation up to 24h before
- 2 languages
- Instant confirmation
Highlights
For travelers with limited time, we combine two of the most significant attractions in Cuenca: First, the most important Inca site in Ecuador, and later, two artisan villages where crafts such as ikat weavings, fine filigree jewelry and more are made. Highlights: • Visit the largest Inca archaeological site in Ecuador and the only elliptical temple of the Inca empire. • Get amazing panoramic views of unforgettable Andean landscapes full of contrasts. • Watch locals weave shawls using the unique technique of "Ikat" developed by the Pre-Columbian tribes. • Check out Chordeleg's famous jewelry and ceramics.
Inclusions
What's included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Lunch
- Fuel surcharge
- Transportation
- Licensed Tour Guide / Driver
What's not
- Entrance Fees $2 each (Apply for shared Tours)
- Gratuities
- Makanas Workshop $1 per person (Apply for shared tours)
Itinerary
Prepare to embark on an exhilarating journey through Ecuador's stunning highlands, where breathtaking vistas await at every turn. Our destination? The awe-inspiring Ingapirca, an impressive Inca fortress-temple drenched in history. It's considered to be Ecuador's most significant archaeological site, and it's not hard to understand why. The Inca people's incredible engineering skills and architectural prowess are evident in this site built by sun worshippers.
Our adventure continues with a picturesque 1.5-hour drive to the charming villages of Gualaceo and Chordeleg, where a delightful traditional lunch at the Arhana Resort awaits. Our set menu includes an appetizer, main course, soft drink, and a small dessert, with vegetarian and vegan options available upon request.
Our next stop is Chordeleg, a town renowned for its talented jewelers and other handicraft shops. Here, you'll have free time for shopping or soak up the town's fascinating ambiance. Whether you're on the hunt for the perfect souvenir or simply looking to explore, this is a great stop.
In Gualaceo, we'll visit the colonial plaza, you'll immerse yourself in the town's rich history and irresistible charm. Enjoy a coffee, and for the adventurous, try the traditional Rosero drink. It's the perfect way to experience the authentic flavors of Ecuador.
At our last stop, we'll visit a local family's workshop where you'll get to witness the intricate process of weaving shawls and ponchos on antique looms. Using dyes extracted from plants, this traditional method has been passed down through generations. After a full day, we'll make our way back to Cuenca.
Cancellation
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, for a full refund.
Reviews
4.9
- 5164
- 413
- 32
- 21
- 10
Ratings come from 180 reviews collected by our booking partner. They are travellers' own words, in the order they were written — never reordered to flatter the experience.
Showing reviews written in English.
5Highly Recommend
Great experience! I was paired up with Eddy for the day , not only was he a pleasure to be with, but he's also extremely knowledgeable about the history and site. I am so glad that I was able to take this tour and would list it as a "Must", when visiting Ecuador.
5Educational and fun
A great experience and a wonderful driver and guide who was very knowledgeable and helpful.
5Marvelous Tour
This was a wonderful tour. Diego not only took us on the tour, but gave us a detailed history of Cuenca and Ecuador in general. He was polite and a wonderful tour guide. This is a tour we will remember forever.
5Great tour!
I had an excellent experience doing this tour with Diego. He was right on time to pick me up and drove carefully throughout the day. Along the way and at our stops he answered all of our questions and shared his extensive knowledge of the places we visited. I especially enjoyed learning about Ingapirca. This tour is a great way to see some of the beautiful and interesting areas outside of Cuenca without the hassle of driving or figuring out public transportation. Thank you, Diego!
5Great tour of Ingapirca!
Luis is a great guide and we leaned so much about the Canari culture and the Canari and Inca archeological sites during our tour. We highly recommend Luis and this tour!
5Full-Day Ingapirca, Gualaceo & Chordeleg Tour
Xavier is an amazing guide. He provided us with a wealth of information, and he made sure we all understood what was said if someone else spoke in Spanish. He was very kind, professional, well organized, timely, answered all questions, and a pleasure to spend the day with. This was our best tour during our stay in Cuenca, thanks to Xavier. We can't recommend him enough.
Know before you go
- Pickup
- Pickup is included for everyone.
- Ticket type
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Group size
- Up to 30 travellers
- Operated by
- Cuenca Bestours Tour Operator
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- A minimum of 2 people is required to operate the tour. We reserve the right to cancel the tour there are not at-least 2 participants
- Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking
- Reservations made 48 hour prior the tour are subject to guide availability
- For 1 to 6 passengers, a bilingual guide will also be the driver
- Infant meals not included
How it compares in Cuenca
- Its from-price is 26% below the median of the 123 experiences we list in Cuenca.
- Its length is typical for the group.
- By number of reviews it ranks 4 of 123.
- The operator lists free cancellation on it.
About Cuenca
Cuenca is a high Andean city in southern Ecuador, a UNESCO-listed colonial centre with a blue-domed cathedral, flower markets and four rivers.
Cuenca sits at about 2,500 metres in a basin of the southern Andes, and its historic centre is listed by UNESCO. The Tomebamba River runs beside the old quarter, with colonial houses overlooking its banks. The New Cathedral, with its three blue domes, faces Parque Calderón, and the nearby flower market sells roses and orchids. Spanish settlers founded the city in 1557 close to the Inca city of Tomebamba.
Top-ranked sights in Cuenca: Mirador de Turi.
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